AARON Kuhl revealed his frustration at being frozen out at Reading FC after discovering he had not earned a new contract.

Kuhl, who was once tipped for future stardom with the Royals, was told his career was over at Madejski Stadium when he returned from a loan spell at Boreham Wood in January.

The 21-year-old, whose dad Martin manages the Under 23s, was close to a last-minute switch to Barnet in January until an untimely hamstring injury scuppered the move.

The Academy graduate, who made his first-team debut under Nigel Adkins before falling out of favour under Steve Clarke, hoped to continue playing for the Under 23s in a bid to find a new club.

But Reading’s hierarchy told him he was surplus to requirements and he is now struggling to find a new club to re-ignite his career.

“I wasn’t allowed to play because I wasn’t getting a contract,” Kuhl revealed in an exclusive interview with the Reading Chronicle.

“They said they wanted to give the other players a chance to play to get a contract next season.

“I thought ‘fair enough’ but I was just thinking I could help them out because they weren’t doing the best in the league at the time and I’m quite a good, defensive player. I could help them shore up the back and they could help me find a club.

“If I had played those games I could have sold myself, so I would be helping them and they would help me.”

Kuhl broke into the Royals side when former boss Adkins was in charge. But once Adkins was sacked in December 2014 and Clarke took over, Kuhl quickly fell out of favour after six first-team appearances.

The ex-England U20 international was shipped out on loan to Dundee United and then Boreham Wood before returning to Hogwood Park in January.

Reading Chronicle:

Aaron Kuhl enjoyed a loan spell with Dundee United in 2015.

Kuhl continued: “I was doing well, I made my debut and I was really kicking on, but sometimes you fall out of favour when a new manager comes in.

“It was a shame Nigel Adkins got the sack. Steve Clarke came in but my face just didn’t fit and then I had two loan spells.

“I’ve said before that loans can either help you or hinder you, but for me they didn’t help me very much.

“It was a good experience for me to be away from home and to experience the other side of football in different leagues, but in terms of me wanting to play, it didn’t really help.

“In Scotland one manager really liked me and I was playing, but he got sacked. I’ve not had the best of luck with managers but that’s football. Sometimes things go your way and sometimes they don’t, but I’ll just keep grinding on and hopefully I’ll get a lucky break.”

Kuhl, who had captained Reading’s youth teams for several seasons, insisted he will cherish the memories from his time at the club.

And he also backed his former Academy team-mate Liam Kelly to become a huge player for the Royals.

“Liam is brilliant, I’ve always known he’s going to be a great player,” declared Kuhl. “I told my mum, dad and all my family that he’s one of the best players I’ve played with.

“In fact, technically he is the best player I have ever played with.

“I’ve played with him at all sorts of levels, when we were young we played as a two in midfield and even for our district, Hampshire, we played together and he was scoring unbelievable goals then.

“I’ve always known he would do well if he was given the chance and luckily for him this gaffer came in and has given Liam the opportunity.

“I’m proud of him, I’m very happy for him and hopefully a few of the other lads will get a chance too.”

Reading Chronicle:

Liam Kelly is tipped for future stardom by Aaron Kuhl.

After struggling for Under 23 games, Kuhl fears he may now be overlooked by other clubs in a bid to find a new employer.

But he is determined to knuckle down and achieve his ambition of playing in the Premier League.

He stressed: “I would never harbour any hard feelings towards Reading, maybe a little bit for not being able to play for the last four months because that’s hindered me being able to find a new club.

“I can’t say anything bad against them, they’ve treated me well, I can’t be horrible to them because that’s not in my nature.

“I was there a long time and I’m proud to say that I’m a Reading Academy product. I made my debut for the first team so I have come all the way through the system.

“There are too many memories for me to think of but obviously winning a few trophies and getting promoted stick out.”

Kuhl added: “To be honest I haven’t had any offers. I wish I had but, because I haven’t been able to play, I haven’t been able to say my name.

“People have been left thinking I’m not good enough to play for the Under 23s, so why would he get into a League 1, 2 or Championship team?

“My dream was to play in the Premier League but sometimes dreams don’t happen.

“I would still love to be able to do that but I just need to get a club and work my way up.

“I need to show myself and show everyone what I’m made of.”